The term ‘imprint’ resonates with dual significance, embodying both a creative act and the permanence of memory. On one hand, it refers to the physical act of leaving a mark or impression, a process integral to printmaking. On the other hand, it suggests a lasting impact or memory – an idea, an experience, or an emotion that leaves an indelible mark on our consciousness. The exhibition Imprint is a journey through these impressions that shape us – the visible and the invisible. It features four artists – Atanu Bakshi, Avni Bansal, Bikash Chandra Senapati, and Priyoum Talukdar – who bring their unique perspectives on printmaking while translating their own “imprints” into tangible expressions.
Imprint brings together the distinctive oeuvres of these artists, each navigating the intricate relationship between their lived environments – the historical context, culture, and the contradictions that define them. The printmaking process, with its slow but precise and deliberate pace, allows for a depth of reflection and analysis perceptible in the final works. Through each careful mark and layer of ink, the artists distil their narratives, yielding works that are technically sophisticated, visually stunning, and intellectually curious. The resultant body of work in Imprint embodies multi-layered storytelling that invites viewers to engage with the artists’ nuanced perspectives.
Atanu Bakshi’s practice is deeply rooted in his experiences of the coal mines of Jharia. Etched in his memory are the struggles of a community forced to make this hazardous environment its home. Atanu seeks to preserve these narratives, transmuting the unsettling memories of the dust- and fire-ridden fields into powerful visual metaphors. Through experimental textures created in intaglio using hand illumination and multi-rubber mats, he crafts labyrinthine environments on paper that seem to embed unseen human stories. These complex, multilayered works of Atanu serve as a poignant testament to the enduring power of human resilience while highlighting the dynamics between human experience, environment, and industrialization.
In search of a similar connection to his homeland, Priyoum Talukdar explores Assam’s rich cultural heritage, seeking to recontextualize the past in relation to the present. Through meticulously crafted visual narratives that weave together legends, myths, and fantastical landscapes, Priyoum draws attention to the complex interplay between the region’s storied past and its current tumultuous socio-political landscape. His multichromatic palette and dense compositions accurately represent the spiritual and cultural fabric of his homeland. By revisiting traditional woodcut techniques and pushing them further in practice, Priyoum navigates the tensions between tradition and modernity, yielding works that are both visually rich and intellectually nuanced. The surreal landscapes of Bikash Chandra Senapati embody a serene contemplative quality. The recurring motif of a sphere serves as a protagonist navigating through haunting terrains situated on the cusp of reality and fantasy. Bikash’s work critically examines the tensions and coexistences between nature and urbanization, highlighting the contrasts between the organic simplicity of rural landscapes and the structural complexity of urban settings. Through the use of intricate lines rendered through multiple mediums involving woodcut, etching, and lithography, Bikash masterfully captures the fragility of the environment we live in.

The intersection of reality and surrealism is also where Avni Bansal’s practice situates, particularly in her works featuring organic motifs. These fascinating bioforms invite viewers to engage with their intricacies, encouraging a dialogue that transcends their mundane existence. The arrangement of these pieces embodies a sense of record-keeping and documentation, echoing the meticulous curation process in museums. Avni uses this same archival approach in her series on drapery, in which traditional garments are deconstructed using bold, symmetrical, and geometric lines. The series draws attention to the existential threat to our traditional culture, beliefs, and rituals. Through the use of delicate kozo paper and meticulous lines crafted in relief prints, Avni’s art underscores the preservation and appreciation of our collective cultural heritage. Imprint exhibits the power of art to preserve memory, challenge perceptions, and inspire dialogue. As we navigate the intricate relationships between nature, culture, and human experience, these artworks remind us that our imprints – whether physical or metaphorical – have the power to shape our understanding of ourselves and the world around us.

ARTISTS
Atanu Bakshi | Avni Bansal | Bikash Chandra Senapati | Priyoum Talukdar

Curated by:

Lubna Sen